Detroit Coney Grill find new fans in Phoenix

The aroma of freshly grilled beef
wafting from the kitchen inside Detroit Coney Grill is the first sign that lets
you know David Najor knows what he’s doing. A full house of satisfied lunch-hour
customers is not far behind.

Entering
Detroit Coney Grill gives the sense of genuine home cooked food. From the
throwback interior that includes parlor-style chairs and simple (yet highly
appropriate) wall décor to the visible kitchen where orders are announced and
brought directly tableside, the environment is immediately welcoming.

Najor,
a Detroit native and owner of Detroit Coney Grill, officially opened its second
location April 1, and a flock of coney faithfuls have already become regulars
of the downtown Phoenix location, located at 16 West Adams St. The restaurant’s
Tempe location, located at 930 W. Broadway Road, has experienced success since
it opened in 2013. It is commonplace for Najor to address patrons by first name
as he makes it a point to visit tables, personally check on orders and greet
customers upon entering. The customers do the same.

“Come
back and see us again,” Najor exclaims, as two customers thank him for a
delicious meal.

Javie
Jasso, the manager at Detroit Coney Grill, says the staff-customer relationship
adds a unique feeling to the restaurant.

“We become
friends,” he says. “People are so busy, and they come here to take a break.”

One
such customer, Becca Kemp, devoured her coney dog on Detroit Coney Grill’s
quaint street-front patio. Kemp, a new fan of coney dogs, says she is thrilled
to have a new lunch spot downtown catering toward comfort food.

“The food is
fresh,” she says. “I can definitely see myself as a repeat customer.”